The United States and Mexico are both contenders to win the Copa America Centenario, according to Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

Messi's Argentina – 14-time champion – is among the favorites to win the centenary edition of the Copa America in the United States, which kicks off between USA and Colombia in Santa Clara on Friday.

Defending champion Chile, Uruguay – the most successful nation with 15 titles – and Brazil also loom large, but five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi feels host USA and Mexico are in the mix.

"Favorites to win the Cup? The presence of the United States and Mexico will make it close," Messi told Mundo Leo, a program dedicated to the 28-year-old Barcelona star.

"They will be candidates, not only for being local, but by the quality that they have."

Messi, whose Argentina has been drawn in Group D alongside Chile, Panama and Bolivia, added: "It will be different in all senses, with new national teams, new grounds – the stadiums will be excellent."